Wrexham Edge Nottingham Forest On Penalties To Reach FA Cup Fourth Round

Arthur Okonkwo was the decisive figure as Wrexham reached the FA Cup fourth round, defeating Nottingham Forest on penalties after a gripping 3-3 draw at SToK Cae Ras. The goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks in the shootout, ending Forest’s resistance and securing progression for the Championship club against Premier League opposition.

The drama peaked in the shootout. Both teams converted their opening penalties, then James McClean fired Wrexham’s second effort off target. Okonkwo immediately responded, diving low to deny Igor Jesus. The next five penalties were converted, leaving Omari Hutchinson needing to score, but Okonkwo again intervened to block the decisive kick.

The contest had already delivered major twists before the shootout. Callum Hudson-Odoi

struck twice late on to rescue Forest, completing a rapid brace that forced extra-time. The first goal came from a tidy first-time finish, while the second was a clean volley a minute before the final whistle, drawing Forest level at 3-3.

Earlier, Wrexham looked in control after withstanding an early scare. Douglas Luiz thought Luiz had opened the scoring, only for the effort to be disallowed for handball. That decision proved crucial, as Wrexham hit Forest with two goals in three minutes near the end of the first half, swinging the tie their way.

Wrexham’s opener came from determined pressing high up the pitch. George Dobson stole possession from Omari Hutchinson on the edge of the Forest penalty area. The loose ball ran to Liberato Cacace, who drilled a firm shot into the net. Moments later, Oliver Rathbone powered past Morato and calmly placed a finish into the bottom-right corner.

Forest reduced the deficit after the break, keeping the tie alive. Igor Jesus met a cross with a towering header just after the hour mark, making it 2-1. Wrexham replied in the 74th minute, when Dominic Hyam restored the two-goal lead, leaving Forest needing another late response to avoid elimination.

FA Cup Wrexham display backed by data and history

Extra-time produced chances at both ends. Dan Scarr headed a McClean corner off target for Wrexham, while Neco Williams saw a goalbound strike tipped over by Okonkwo. Neither side could find a winner before penalties, despite the contest continuing at a high tempo and both teams committing numbers forward.

Data underlined how open the FA Cup tie became. Forest registered 31 shots, producing an expected goals figure of 2.82, while Wrexham had 17 attempts and an xG of 2.67. Forest’s defensive problems persisted, with Sean Dyche’s team conceding 46 goals in all competitions this season, more than any Premier League side except Wolves, who have allowed 47.

The result carried historical weight for Wrexham and their Hollywood-backed project under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Wrexham eliminated a Premier League club from the FA Cup for the first time since beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in December 1999, and scored three goals against a top-flight side in the competition for the first time since a 3-1 win over Forest in January 1982. Forest, who won three penalty shootouts on their way to the 2024-25 semi-finals, saw that fortune finally fade.